Vulnerabilities and adaptabilities to the disaster affected coastal livelihoods in Bangladesh

The southern coastal population in Bangladesh is severely affected by natural disasters due to the impacts of climate change. The most prominent impact is upon the poor resource-based living practice that makes the dwellers' economy vulnerable and unsustainable in terms of their values for life. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the degree of adaptability against the hazards faced through their livelihoods. A survey of 150 families was conducted to explore livelihood patterns, levels of incomes, vulnerability to disasters, and adaptation techniques adopted by people near the coastline area of Galachipa, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. The level of adaptability was analyzed through the experience and opinion of key informants and focused group discussants of the study areas. The study revealed that approximately 70 % of respondents were illiterate but expressed adaptation to diversified livelihood practices apart from their main agriculture-related occupations. Their per capita income was insufficient to meet the needs of a medium household size (mode 5). The public spontaneously responds to awareness and ideas about the degree of priority on common hazards like cyclones, storm surges, floods, pest attacks, cold and foggy weather, and plant diseases. More interestingly, the Big Seven adaptive mechanisms combining the endogenous and scientific techniques the people follow were diversified livelihood, multiple cropping, climate-smart farming, polyculture farming, irrigation-based agriculture, weather-focused agricultural and fishing practices, and heat-controlled animal husbandry. However, the area should be taken under the country's integral development plan for sustainable livelihoods through education, infrastructure development, and training to cope with catastrophes.